Big baby, crow or raven?

[Dogghound]

Maybe just our different perception's of the image.

[RKB]

Melino, if you look at the base of each tail feather, do you see a bluish waxy sheath where the quills are still gorwing (be careful, they are delicate). If so, then it has been out of the nest for less than a fortnight. If the feathers are fully grown, then it should be independent and feeding itself.

Also, if you feel the breastbone on the underside, does it feel sharp and stick out as a ridge? Or does it have plump 'meat' either side? If it's sharp then the bird is very underweight, and it might explain why it isn't flying (this meat is the flight muscles). The chest and belly should feel plump and rounded, not with a priminent keel of the breastbone.

[melino]

I think that it is effectively underweight, I give it cat food and I hope that this bird is going to feel better asap...

It clearly hasn't all adult feather yet but also has some feathers missing on chest and it can't be seen on pictures because it is under the feathers but the bird has 2 big wounds (holes) on both side of the neck probably due to a fox's bite... when I found it, it had difficulties to breath and had caught a flu... but it seems to get gently better... I am surpised that it is starting to use its voice, we thought it would never be able to ''talk'' has it was badly hurt... It still has a way to do before being safe and healthy but is actually on the right way...

(I am sorry, english is not my native language, so I do what I can to use the right words... please, be comprehensive)

[posie]

....Hi Melino, your English is very easy to understand...As you say the bird is underweight and has two wounds and has had a chill or flu, had you thought about getting him/her checked over by a vet, possibly at a Wildlife Centre. They would probably give a course of antibiotics etc...It is worth the trouble, because as we have these wonderful wildlife centres, and you are obviously concerned about the bird's welfare it would be a good thing to do. Someone on here could find your nearest centre if you just give your TOWN location, but no more than that...Posie..

[RKB]

The wound may be from an airgun. If it's been shot in the neck then the flu might be an infection or damage from the wound.

It should have a complete set of wing and tail feathers at this age, with no gaps, so if any are missing then this is from an injury (only adults moult the wings/tail at this time of year).

You should also try not to make it tame, as this will make it more vulnerable later on, as it will trust other people who might harm it. Keep it away from people, and only visit it to feed it. Do not talk to it or stroke it. It is difficult for us not make an emotional connection with the bird, but you must try not to. Crows are one of the most intelligent animals there are (not just birds, but all animals), so it will quickly learn bad habits by mistake.

[melino]

Hi,

Thank you Posie, Littlesparrow, Dogghound and RKB for your answers.
I have already been in contact with the local wildlife protection but they are actually too busy to look after the bird so I fixed an appointment with the vet on next wednesday...

I will ask the vet to find a place for the bird to be cared by professionals, but until then, it is in my care, ...better than being outside exposed to all kind of danger and in the rain...

Whatever is the origin of its injuries, a bird belong to nature and I would be the first to be happy if it can return asap at its right place.

I am very thankful that you all seem to care of what will happen to this 'little' one.

See you.

[posie]

..Hi Melino, would you let us know the outcome...we would be interested...Thanks..Posie..

[melino]

Hi.

Here are some news... I hope not to late.

At the end, the bird is a raven. It has found a place to be cared for by professional in Aberdeenshire where there are also other raven.

It is doing really fine, has had some antibiotiques, learned a lot of things about being wild, gained some weight and now is almost ready to be released, but it will still take some time before it can be completly free again.

Haven't seen it yet but had some news from the persons looking after.

I was very happy to hear the good news, I hope you also will.

Please, if you find a injured bird, think about the best for the bird, let a professionnal take care of it. Keeping a bird as a pet may be your favourite option but what about the bird?

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by melino

At the end, the bird is a raven. It has found a place to be cared for by professional in Aberdeenshire where there are also other raven.

?

It not a raven its a carrion crow, ravens have a completely different bill structure to this bird. It is much more robust and has feathering extending along the upper mandible. They have more of an extensive gape (at this age) and have a different shaped head.

It is great to hear that the bird is doing ok, thanks for sharing this with us. Always good to hear a success story

[posie]

Hello again Melino,Thankyou for updating us.. I am so pleased about the outcome of your bird..Yes, it is best for any wild creature to be released back into the wild when possible, and the people looking after 'your' bird know how to get him fit and keep his wild instincts....So all is well, well done...

Posie..